Arbutus Biopharma Corporation (NASDAQ: ABUS) has announced significant developments in its business strategy, including the reacquisition of rights to its lead compound, imdusiran, in Greater China from Qilu Pharmaceutical. This move comes after the mutual agreement to conclude the strategic partnership entered into in 2021 for the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of imdusiran in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan markets.
The company's president and CEO, Lindsay Androski, expressed gratitude for the collaborative partnership with Qilu and emphasized Arbutus' renewed focus on advancing its pipeline efficiently. With the global rights to imdusiran back in its hands, Arbutus is poised to further its development.
Additionally, Arbutus has unveiled a new Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) comprising globally recognized leaders in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (CHBV) with extensive experience in late-stage clinical trials. The newly formed SAB will advise Arbutus on the strategic evaluation of its CHBV pipeline.
Notable members of Arbutus' Scientific Advisory Board include:
- Dr. Jordan J. Feld, MD, MPH
- Dr. Edward J. Gane, MBChB, MD, FRACP, FAASLD, MNZM
- Dr. Anna Suk-Fong Lok, MD, DSc (Hon), FAASLD, AGAF
- Dr. Mark Sulkowski, MD
- Dr. Man-Fung Yuen, MBBS, MD, PhD, DSc
These esteemed individuals bring a wealth of expertise and experience in the field, which will undoubtedly contribute to Arbutus' strategic decision-making processes.
Furthermore, Arbutus provided updates on imdusiran, reporting a total of eight patients who achieved functional cure across all phase 2a clinical trials conducted. The company highlighted the therapeutic potential of imdusiran as an RNAi therapeutic designed to reduce all HBV viral proteins and antigens, including hepatitis B surface antigen, which is crucial for reawakening a patient's immune system to control the virus.
Arbutus emphasized that the clinical data generated thus far has shown imdusiran to be generally safe and well-tolerated, while providing meaningful reductions in hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis B virus DNA.
Chronic HBV infection represents a significant unmet medical need, affecting millions of people worldwide. Arbutus' focus on advancing the development of imdusiran and other potential treatments reflects the company's commitment to addressing this pressing global health issue.
Today the company's shares have moved -1.17% to a price of $3.37. For more information, read the company's full 8-K submission here.
